Geography related articles in News

Source– This post on Olympus Mons is based on the article “Olympus Mons: The largest volcano in the solar system” published in “PIB” on 14th June 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, Scientists have discovered frost on Mars’ tallest volcano, Olympus Mons, revealing an active water cycle on the Red Planet.

About Olympus Mons

1. Olympus Mons is a shield volcano situated in Mars’ western hemisphere.

2.  It is the highest point on Mars and the largest known volcano in the solar system, standing at 16 miles (24 kilometers) high, which is about three times taller than Mt. Everest.

3. Olympus Mons is 340 miles (550 kilometers) wide, covering an area larger than the entire chain of Hawaiian Islands.

4. Olympus Mons is approximately 3.5 billion years old, indicating it formed early in Mars’ history. It has a very flat structure with slopes ranging from only 2 to 5 degrees.

6.  The summit has a large depression called a caldera, spanning 50 miles (80 kilometers) wide. The summit caldera consists of several overlapping pits created by different eruptive phases. It has multiple pits.

About Shield Volcanoes

1. Shield volcanoes are the largest volcanoes on Earth.

2. They have broad, gentle slopes rather than soaring, conical peaks like composite volcanoes.

3. They are almost exclusively composed of basalt which is a type of lava that is very fluid when erupted.

4. Shield volcanoes are built by repeated eruptions over vast periods of time.

5. Eruptions are usually low-explosivity, characterized by lava fountaining that forms cinder cones and spatter cones at the vent. Eruptions can become explosive if water gets into the vent.

6. Examples: The Hawaiian shield volcanoes are the most well-known examples of this type of volcano.

UPSC Syllabus: World Geography

Source– This post on Crete Island is based on the article “A Big, Round, 4,000-Year-Old Stone Building Discovered on a Cretan Hilltop” published in “Arkeonews” on 13th June 2024.

Why in the News?

During excavations for an airport on Crete, a large circular monument dating back 4000 years was unearthed.

About Crete Island

1. Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea.

2. It is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea.

3. The island is bordered by the Sea of Crete to the north, the Libyan Sea to the south, the Myrtoan Sea to the west, and the Carpathian Sea to the east.

4. The island is dominated by rugged mountains that crisscross from west to east. The highest point on the island is Mt. Ida, also known as Psiloritis.

About its historical context

1. Crete has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age by early hominids. The earliest advanced European civilization, the Minoan Civilization, began on the island around 2700-1420 BCE.

2. The Minoan civilization ended after a major earthquake, and thereafter, the island’s rule was taken over by the Mycenaean civilization.

3. After the Mycenaean period, Crete was ruled by various powers, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Andalusians, the Venetians, and the Ottomans. Following its independence from Ottoman rule, Crete became part of Greece.

4. During the Second World War, the island was occupied by Nazi German forces and served as the battleground for the famous “Battle of Crete.”

UPSC Syllabus: Geography

Source: The post on Notified Disaster is based on the article “Why heatwaves have not been included as a notified disaster in the Disaster Management Act” published in Indian Express on 13 June 2024.

Why in news?

The ongoing extreme heat in many parts of the country has reignited discussions on including heatwaves as one of the notified disasters under the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005.

About Notified Disaster

1. The Disaster Management Act, 2005, defines a disaster as a “catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence” arising from natural or man-made causes.

2. Disasters result in substantial loss of life, destruction of property, or damage to the environment.

Categories of Notified Disasters

1 The Act includes 12 categories of notified disasters which are Cyclone, Drought, Earthquake, Fire, Flood, Tsunami, Hailstorm, Landslide, Avalanche, Cloudburst, Pest attack, Frost and cold waves.

2.  Notified disasters are eligible for relief assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

3. The SDRF is primarily used for immediate relief to victims of notified disasters.

4. The NDRF supplements the SDRF in cases of severe disasters where funds are insufficient.

Exclusion of Heatwaves

1. Heatwaves are not currently included as a notified disaster under the Act.

2. Despite being a significant concern in certain regions of India, the Finance Commission has not expanded the list to include heatwaves.

3. If classified as a disaster, States can use up to 10% of their SDRF allocation for local disasters, including heatwaves, which some states have done.

Role of NDMA

1. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) plays a crucial role in disaster management in India.

2.  NDMA lays down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management.

3. It aims to promote a national resolve to mitigate the damage and destruction caused by natural and man-made disasters through sustained and collective efforts.

UPSC Syllabus: Disaster management

Source– This post on Ghataprabha River is based on the article “Nine rescued after tractor falls into Ghataprabha River” published in “Times of India” on 12th June 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, nine people were rescued by locals after a tractor overturned and fell into the Ghataprabha River.

About Ghataprabha River

1. The Ghataprabha River is a significant tributary of the Krishna River, which flows through the state of Karnataka.

2. The river originates in the Western Ghats at an elevation of 884 meters.

3. It flows eastward for a distance of 283 kilometers before merging with the Krishna River.

4. The river descends by 53 meters at Gokak Falls in Belgaum (Belagavi) District, Karnataka.

5. The river basin spans 8,829 square kilometers, covering regions in both Karnataka and Maharashtra.

6. Key tributaries of the Ghataprabha include the Hiranyakeshi River and the Markandeya River.

About Krishna River

1. The Krishna River is a prominent river in south-central India.

2. The Krishna River rises in western Maharashtra, specifically in the Western Ghats near the town of Mahabaleshwar.

3. It flows through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, eventually emptying into the Bay of Bengal at Hamasaladeevi in Andhra Pradesh.

4. The Krishna River Basin covers an area of about 258,948 square kilometers, accounting for nearly 8 percent of India’s total geographical area.

5. The Tungabhadra River, formed by the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra Rivers originating in the Western Ghats.
These include the Koyna River, Bhima River, Kundali River, Malaprabha River, Ghataprabha River, Yerla River, Warana River, Dindi River, Musi River, and Dudhganga River.

6. In terms of water inflows and river basin size, the Krishna River ranks as the fourth largest river in India, following the Ganga, Godavari, and Brahmaputra rivers.

UPSC Syllabus: Geography

Source-This post on Dnipro has been created based on the article “Russian missile attack on Ukraine’s Dnipro injures seven people, including two children” published in “The Print” on 6 June 2024.

Why in News?

A recent Russian missile attack on the central city of Dnipro injured seven people, including two children, and damaged civilian infrastructure.

About Dnipro

1.  Dnipro is a city of regional significance in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, eastern Ukraine. It covers an area of 409,718 square kilometers.

2. The city is located along both banks of the Dnieper River, near its confluence with the Samara River.

3. The city center is on the right bank, which is part of the Dnieper Upland, while the left bank is part of the Dnieper Lowland.

4.  Dnipro is Ukraine’s fourth-largest city, following Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa.

5. Industrial Significance:

i)  Dnipro is one of Ukraine’s major industrial centers.

ii)  The city hosts numerous facilities for heavy industries, producing launch vehicles, rolled metal, cast iron, machinery, agricultural equipment, chemicals, and more.

About the Dnieper River

1. The Dnieper River is the fourth-longest river in Europe, after the Volga, the Danube, and the Ural.

2. The river’s name varies by language: Dnepr in Russian, Dnipro in Ukrainian, and Dnyapro in Belarusian.

3. Location: It is located in Eastern Europe, the Dnieper River and its tributaries drain much of Belarus and Ukraine.

4. Course: The river originates in Russia, in the low Valday Hills, west of Moscow. It runs a total length of 1,368 miles (2,201 kilometers) through western Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine before emptying into the Black Sea.

5. The Dnieper passes through several urban centers, including Smolensk and Dorogobuzh in Russia; Mogilev in Belarus; and Kyiv, Cherkasy, Dnipro, and Zaporizhia in Ukraine.

6. Tributaries- The Dnieper River has approximately 32,000 tributaries, including notable rivers such as the Sozh, Desna, Trubizh, Bilozerka, Drut, Berezina, and Prypiat.

UPSC Syllabus: World geography

Source- This post on Cyclone Remal has been created based on the article “Prime Minister reviews the impact of cyclone “Remal” published in “PIB” on 2 June 2024.

Why in News?

The Prime Minister reviewed the impact of cyclone “Remal. He was briefed about the impact of the cyclone on the affected states.

About Cyclone Remal

1) Cyclone Remal is a tropical cyclone that formed in the Northern Indian Ocean, specifically in the Bay of Bengal.

2) The name “Remal” means “sand” in Arabic and was named by Oman, following the standard naming protocol for cyclones in the region.

3) Cyclone Remal recently struck the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal, causing fatalities, power outages, and inundation of coastal areas.

Reasons Behind the Formation of Cyclone Remal

1) Sea Surface Warming: The main driver of Remal’s formation is the increased sea surface temperatures, which provide the necessary energy for cyclone development.

2) Low Wind Shear: Low wind shear conditions allow for better storm organization and strengthening.

3) Moist Atmosphere: High moisture levels in the atmosphere are crucial as they contribute to condensation, releasing energy that fuels the cyclone.

4) Atmospheric Instability: Warm, moist air rising rapidly leads to cloud formation and energy release, which are essential for cyclone development.

About Cyclones

1) A cyclone is a large air mass rotating around a central point of low atmospheric pressure.

2) In the Northern Hemisphere, cyclones rotate counterclockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they rotate clockwise.

3) Conditions Required for Cyclone Formation:

i) Warm Ocean Waters: Sea surface temperatures must be at least 26.5°C (about 80°F) to provide the necessary energy.

ii) Atmospheric Instability: Warm, moist air rising from the ocean enhances the formation of thunderstorms.

iii) High Humidity: Humidity in the lower to mid levels of the troposphere supports cloud formation.

iv) Low Vertical Wind Shear: Minimal wind shear is crucial as high shear can disrupt the cyclone’s structure.

v) Pre-existing Disturbances: Weather disturbances like old fronts or troughs can initiate cyclone formation.

vi) Coriolis Force: Essential for the spinning motion of the cyclone, effective away from the equator (at least 5 degrees latitude).

UPSC Syllabus: Geography

Source- This post on Impact of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Eruption has been created based on the article “Tonga volcano could cause unusual weather for rest of decade: study” published in “The Hindu” on 1 June 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, a study was conducted in the Journal of Climate to investigate the climatic effects caused by the eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano. It erupted on January 15, 2022, in Tonga, generating a tsunami and triggering warnings across the Pacific basin.

Findings of the study

1. Ozone Layer Effect: From August to December 2023, there was a large hole in the ozone layer partly because of the Hunga Tonga eruption. This effect on the ozone was short-term and not expected to last past 2023.

2. Weather Changes: The eruption caused some unusual weather changes:

i) Australia had a wetter summer in 2024, which is not usual for an El Niño year when it’s typically drier.

ii) The global average temperature only went up by a tiny bit, around 0.015 degrees Celsius.

3. Regional Climate Effects:

i) Northern Australia might experience colder and wetter winters than usual up to 2029.

ii) North America could see warmer winters during the same period.

iii) Scandinavia might have colder winters.

4. Atmospheric Changes: The eruption changed the way air moves in the atmosphere, which could affect weather patterns.

How is Hunga Tonga Different from Typical Volcanic Eruptions?

1. Unique Eruption: Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai is an underwater volcano that erupted on January 15, 2022. This eruption was extraordinary because it shot a huge amount of water vapor high into the sky, into the stratosphere (about 15-40 kilometers above the Earth).

2. Usual Volcanic Effects: Typically, volcanoes release smoke and sulfur dioxide which leads to a cooling effect on Earth. This happens because sulfur dioxide turns into tiny particles that float in the air and reflect sunlight away from Earth.

3. Hunga Tonga’s Impact: Being underwater, Hunga Tonga didn’t produce much smoke but sent 100-150 million tonnes of water vapor into the stratosphere instead.

4. Effects of Water Vapor: In the stratosphere, water vapor can harm the ozone layer and act like a greenhouse gas, which might warm the Earth.

About Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano

1) Location: The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano is situated in the western South Pacific Ocean, west of Tonga’s main inhabited islands.

2) Type of Volcano: It is a submarine volcano, one of twelve along the Tofua Arc, part of the larger Tonga-Kermadec volcanic arc.

3) Geological Formation: This arc is formed by the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Indo-Australian Plate.

4) Composition: The volcano includes two small, uninhabited islands named Hunga-Ha’apai and Hunga-Tonga.

UPSC Syllabus: World geography, Environment

Source-This post on  Campi Flegrei  has been created based on the article “Campi Flegrei: Volcanic crater near Naples hit with strongest earthquake in decades” published in “Yahoo” on 29 May 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the most powerful earthquake in decades struck the Campi Flegrei supervolcano region of Italy.

About Campi Flegrei

1. Campi Flegrei, also known as Phlegrean Fields which is an active volcanic area situated near Naples, Italy. Campi Flegrei does not consist of a single volcano but is a complex volcanic system featuring multiple centers within a large caldera.

2. One third of it is located beneath the Tyrrhenian Sea, situated between mainland Italy and the island of Sardinia.

3. The caldera spans approximately 12-15 km (7.5-9.3 miles) in diameter. It was formed around 39,000 years ago following a massive eruption that depleted its magma chambers.

4. It is recognized as the largest active caldera in Europe. Campi Flegrei surpasses Vesuvius in size and activity level.

5. Its last eruption occurred in 1538, which was relatively minor but resulted in the creation of Monte Nuovo, a new mountain.

6. It is classified as a supervolcano which is capable of producing eruptions with global consequences.

About supernova

1. A supervolcano is a volcano that has had an eruption with a volcanic explosivity index (VEI) of 8, which is the largest recorded value on the index.

2. The volume of deposits for such an eruption is greater than 1,000 cubic kilometers (240 cubic miles).

UPSC Syllabus: World geography

Source- This post on Kumaon Himalayas has been created based on the article “SC halts 90-acre project in Kumaon Himalayas on a plea challenging ‘single window’ clearances” published in “The Hindu” on 28 May 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court has put a stop to a project covering 90 acres in the ecologically sensitive and earthquake-prone lower Himalayan ranges in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon hills.

About Kumaon Himalayas

About the Shiwalik Range

1) The Shivalik Hills are a sub-Himalayan mountain range extending approximately 1,600 km from the Teesta River in Sikkim, through Nepal and India, to northern Pakistan.

2. This range runs parallel to the main Himalayan system, stretching from Haridwar along the Ganges to the banks of the Beas River.

3. The hills have an average elevation ranging from 900 to 1,200 meters.

4. Geological Composition: Predominantly composed of low sandstone and conglomerate hills, the Shivaliks represent the solidified and uplifted debris from the main Himalayan range located just behind them.

They are separated by an intermediate valley that lies between the outer hills and Mussoorie.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Geography

Source-This post on Mount Ibu has been created based on the article “Ash soars 4 km into sky as Indonesian volcano erupts with dramatic purple lightning” published in “The Indian Express” on 27 May 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, Mount Ibu has erupted again, sending ash 4 km into the air, with purple lightning flashing around its crater.

About Mount Ibu

1. Mount Ibu is a stratovolcano situated on the northwest coast of Halmahera island, Indonesia.

2. It is among Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, consistently recording frequent eruptions over the years.

3. It rises to an elevation of 1,377 meters above sea level. The volcano spans 16 km from east to west and 13 km from north to south.

4. In 2023, Mount Ibu recorded a total of 21,100 eruptions, making it the second most active volcano in Indonesia.

About stratovolcano

1. Stratovolcanoes are tall, steep, and cone-shaped. They differ from the flatter shield volcanoes by having higher peaks.

2. They are primarily located above subduction zones and are a major part of extensive volcanically active areas like the Pacific Ring of Fire.

3. Stratovolcanoes account for about 60% of the Earth’s individual volcanoes.

UPSC Syllabus: World geography